Triumphant Mandaue children and youth choral in concert Monday

CEBU, Philippines - As a token of gratitude for Mandaue City's support which helped them win in the recent Children's Choral Festival in Hong Kong last month, the Mandaue Children and Youth Choral will present a thanksgiving concert Monday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The choir, which wishes city residents to hear their winning pieces, won two trophies and three medals, emerging champions in the Folklore category and the Youth category, and grabbing the Jury's price as well.

With the trophies and medals came 3,200 Hong Kong dollars in cash prices.

The thanksgiving concert is entitled "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy," a Filipino cultural heritage music and dance extravaganza.

Joining the choir in the concert are the Mandaue City School for the Arts dance troupe and the Asian Troubadours.

Before it left for Hong Kong last month, the group appealed for pledges from organizations for their airfares for Hong Kong.

The Mandaue City government gave P300,000.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said that with the group's accomplishments in various festivals abroad, the city now plans to put up its own Performing Arts Center in order to hone the city's talents. – THE FREEMAN